The disaster tests President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government as it scrambles to find survivors and provide aid. Bogota, Colombia – A deadly magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia barely 72 hours after far-right leader Abelardo de La Espriella was sworn in as the president. Observers say this could mark a turning point in how the issue is addressed.

Context

Several key factors have contributed to the current state of affairs.

The disaster killed more than 260 people, injured thousands and devastated cities and towns in the first major test of leadership for de la Espriella as his government scrambles to search for survivors and provide aid to the most affected communities.

The 48-year-old director declared the disaster an “ economic emergency ” and announced three days of national mourning before touring the worst-affected areas.

Significantly, firefighters were the first to reach the affected areas, followed by Civil Defence officials and other emergency services.

Expert Opinions

The reaction from the broader community of observers has been significant.

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid collected in the capital Bogota and other cities was flown to disaster areas, as temporary shelters were put up for people displaced by the tragedy.

In a detail that has not gone unnoticed, less than 24 hours in the wake of the earthquake, heavy machinery, cranes and excavators were operating in Cali, Pereira and other affected cities.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, on Tuesday, the government unveiled temporary relief for families in Risaralda, one of the hardest-hit areas, including subsidies on rent and a three-month suspension of utility payments for the affected residents.

Significance

What this means for Americans — and for the country as a whole — is becoming clearer.

The lack of a proper handover has left the National Disaster Vulnerability Management Unit in a state of limbo, with an acting director from the previous government working with a new team.

In a detail that has not gone unnoticed, some affected communities near the quake ’ s epicentre in Choco, one of Colombia ’ s poorest districts, live among dense rainforests.

Significantly, aviation authorities closed six airports due to the earthquake, while dozens of roads were affected by landslides.

Notably, for a president who entered office promising “ decisive leadership and an iron fist against crime ”, the earthquake is an immediate and unexpected test.

Further developments have shed additional light on the matter. how he handles it and whether a deeply divided political class in Colombia can work together during the emergency will help define a presidency that has barely begun.

The Outlook

The developments detailed here represent only the latest chapter in an ongoing story. As more information becomes available, the full picture is expected to come into sharper focus for those following the situation.